Unleash cash for other towns across island
CALLS have been made in the Senedd for similar pots of cash to what’s currently available for Holyhead, to be released for other parts of the island.
In 2014 Anglesey Council’s bid for £7.5m of “Vibrant and Viable Places” (VVP) regeneration funding was approved by the Welsh Government.
Since then. some of the projects to benefit include the regeneration of the Market Hall and funding towards the new Ysgol Cybi primary school, which will open its doors in September.
But the scheme’s success has seen the island’s AM raise the plight of other towns, seeking further funding to help these areas as well, specifically mentioning the former copper mining town of Amlwch.
In the Senedd last week, Rhun ap Iorwerth AM asked Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children, Carl Sargeant: “It’s been exciting to see the difference that Vibrant and Viable Places funding has made to the town of Holyhead, where a number of projects have taken place or are in the pipeline.
“But, of course, the economic problems aren’t limited to those areas that have been identified for investment through this funding to date.
“So, what assurance can the Minister give that other areas will be able to take advantage of such opportunities in the near future?
“I include rural areas, which suffer the same social and economic problems, and, specifically in my constituency, Amlwch, which has suffered social and economic pressure for many generations now.
“When will we have the same opportunities as those that have been enjoyed in Holyhead?
In response, Mr Sargent said:id: “Of should do do. course, the Member is right to raise “I want that to be determined the issue that there are many areas locally, so local authorities have those across Wales that need regeneration decisions. Of course, the bids, when input in terms of some finance. they come in, if it’s a rural scheme
“But what I’m cautious not to do is that wishes to be the priority of the spread the jam too thinly so that evelocal authority, then so be it, but I’m rybody gets a little bit but actually it making sure that we have the biggest doesn’t make as big an impact as it impact for the financial investment.”